College football 2012 preview: Mississippi Valley State University

Aug. 25, 2012

Head coach Karl Morgan (1-19 in 3rd season at MVSU, 1-19 in two seasons overall)

WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR?

The 2011 season was another to forget for Mississippi Valley State coach Karl Morgan and the Delta Devils. They did win a game, but after a winless 2010 season, that wasn't saying much. The Delta Devils avoided a winless season by beating Texas Southern in their penultimate game, 12-9, but, aside from a one-point loss to Jackson State, a six-point overtime loss to Grambling State and a 28-21 loss to Southern, the other games weren't close.

THE BUZZ

Much like he did last year, Morgan believes the Delta Devils have more talent and, as a result, are better equipped to turn the tide this fall. Fifteen starters return and have now been in the system for three years, lending Morgan to be optimistic about MVSU's chances in 2012. There's plenty of work to be done, though. MVSU finished last in the SWAC in scoring last season, averaging just 13.6 points per game. MVSU was also last in the league in total offense, (256.9 yards per game), and pass offense (122.5 ypg). The Delta Devils also ranked next-to-last in the SWAC in scoring defense, allowing an average of 30.8 points per game.

2012 SCHEDULE

Sept. 1, 5 p.m. vs. Concordia College

Sept. 8, 7 p.m. at Alabama State

Sept. 15, 6:30 p.m. at Southern University

Sept. 22, 6 p.m. vs. Northwestern State

Oct. 6, 2 p.m. vs. Alabama A&M

Oct. 13, 2 p.m. vs. Grambling State

Oct. 20, 3 p.m. at Jackson State

Oct. 27, 2:30 p.m. at Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Nov. 3, 1 p.m. vs. Alcorn State

Nov. 17, 1 p.m. at Texas Southern

DON'T MISS

Oct. 20 at Jackson State: Despite all their struggles last year, the Delta Devils nearly pulled off the upset against the Tigers. MVSU lost 17-16 but for the first time in a long time it put a scare into Jackson State. JSU has dominated this series, winning the last 17 meetings by an average of 23.9 points per game and 51 of the 58 games in overall, but if the Delta Devils are to become a contender in the SWAC, they know they have to start beating their in-state rivals. Doing so on JSU's homecoming would only sweeten things for the Delta Devils.

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3 QUESTIONS WITH COACH MORGAN

How can Valley improve on last year's win total?

I think one of the things that has to happen is you have to have talent. Last year we played a lot of guys that weren't ready to play and a lot of these guys are still here and are going into their third year of starting. These guys have played and gotten better the last two years. We're not overloaded with talent, but this is the most talent we've had in the last two years. I think it's important to get off to a good start.

What are the keys to getting this program competitive?

We have to get to the point where we can get the talent on a consistent basis to win here. If we do that we'll win and after we win you'll be able to compete with the other teams in the state for the talent that is there. Right now, we're the third option if you're choosing between the three SWAC schools in the state. We have to win. I think we have enough people here now to win. Last year we got close.

Do you feel you enter the season on a hot seat given the team's struggles lately?

My pressure is internal, it comes from me. I haven't stopped to think about whether or not this is a make-or-break year. As long as we're making progress, I can look at myself in the mirror. I want to win more than anyone else in the department or that's sitting in the stands. Hopefully, as we get closer this year we'll win more of those close games.

ON OFFENSE, HE'S THE MAN ...

RB Brandon Stansell, Sr.

Part of a two-headed monster at running back for the Delta Devils, Stansell presents quite the load for opposing defenders to bring down at 5-foot-9 and 230 pounds.

Stansell rushed for a team-high 543 yards and three touchdowns last season while also playing a role in the Delta Devils' passing attack, finishing the year with 23 catches for 122 yards. Morgan believes Stansell is capable of playing an even bigger role in the Valley offense in 2012.

"I think he came back in great shape," Morgan said. "He did real well in the conditioning tests. I think he's committed to having the best year that he can have."

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One key area Stansell has worked to better himself has been his balance. Too many times last season Morgan said he left bigger gains on the field due to his inability to keep his feet under him in traffic.

"He's made some strides early on in improving his balance," Morgan said. "He fell a lot (last season), but toward the end of the season he stayed on his feet more. He had some long plays that really helped us."

ON DEFENSE, HE'S THE MAN ...

DL Leployer Franklin, Sr.

Valley's leading tackler a year ago with 65 tackles, Franklin was a dominating force at the line of scrimmage. He finished with a team-high 14 tackles for a loss. He was second on the team with three quarterback sacks.

"He's our leader on defense as far as the guy that has taken that role on of talking to the team, making sure we're doing the right things," Morgan said. "This offseason he really embraced that role and realized it's his last year, his last go-around. I think the players see him as their leader.